Extruded connecting profile

ABSTRACT

An extruded connecting profile for two panels having peripheral edges includes a first frame element having a front side and an opposite rear side, the front side being shaped for engaging a peripheral edge of a first panel of the two panels. A second frame element is also provided having a front side and an opposite rear side the front side being shaped for engaging a peripheral edge of a second panel of the two panels. An elastic structure extending between the first and second frame elements is co-extruded with the first and second frame elements and is comprised of a material having a higher elasticity than the material of the first and second frame elements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is entitled to the benefit of and incorporates byreference in their entireties essential subject matter disclosed inInternational Application No. PCT/EP02/03293 filed on Mar. 23, 2002 andLuxembourg Patent Application No. 90 786 filed on Jun. 12, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an extruded connectingprofile for two panels, in particular for panels of a movable wallstructure

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

So called movable wall structures are conventionally used in order todivide large enclosed spaces into a plurality of smaller rooms or tocover walls. They are substantially constituted by frameworks composedof uprights, which are secured between the ceiling and the floor, bypossible cross-members arranged between pairs of uprights, and by panelswhich are applied and secured to the uprights in various manners. Thepanels may be made of an opaque material, e.g. wood or syntheticmaterial, or of a transparent material, such as e.g. glass orPlexiglas®.

When building a large partition, a number of panels are assembled end toend between two uprights. In such a case, it is desirable to avoid gapsbetween two adjacent panels, for aesthetic and insulation reasons.Therefore, a connecting profile is generally inserted between theadjacent peripheral edges of two successive panels. However, dependingon the manufacturing tolerances, the size of the panels may vary fromone panel to another, whereby the size of the gap between two panels mayalso vary. This is a recurrent problem, which complicates the assemblyof such structures, since the connecting profiles provided for thepanels of a given structure are generally of a single type with a uniquethickness.

WO 95/32343 describes a modular partition system wherein adjacent edgesof two neighbouring panels are assembled by means of coextruded,siamesed frame members. Such siamesed frame members consist of twoidentical frame members, which are U-shaped in cross-section, and eachhave a bottom transverse wall and a pair of upstanding parallel sidewalls in a spaced apart relationship defining therebetween alongitudinally extending channel for engaging a respective edge of apanel. A flexible web interconnects the siamesed frame members, andconstitutes a hinge allowing to locate the frame members at differentangular relationships The flexible web is arranged in such a way as tonot line up with the mouths of the channels, so that it forms a recessbetween the flexible web and the bottom walls of the frame members, thatclosely conforms to the outer configuration of a third, identical framemember, that can be nested therebetween to assemble panels in a T-shapedconfiguration.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Hence, there is a need for a connecting profile that can be easilymounted in-between two panels, even if the size of the gap may vary.This object is achieved by an extruded connecting profile in accordancewith the present invention.

According to a first aspect of the invention, an extruded connectingprofile for two panels is proposed. It comprises a first frame elementhaving a front side and an opposite rear side, the front side beingshaped for engaging a peripheral edge of the first panel. A second frameelement has a front side and an opposite rear side, the front side beingshaped for engaging a peripheral edge of the second panel, which isadjacent to the peripheral edge of the first panel. The extrudedconnecting profile further comprises an elastic structure extendingbetween the first and second frame elements. This elastic structure isco-extruded with the first and second frame elements and consists of amaterial having a higher elasticity than the material of the first andsecond frame elements.

The extruded connecting profile according to the invention thus has tworigid frame elements engaging the adjacent peripheral edges of twosuccessive panels, and has an elastic structure. The elasticity of thiselastic structure allows compression of the connecting profile, whilethe rigid frame elements remain in engagement with the panels. Itfollows that the present connecting profile can adapt to the size of thegap between the two panels. The connecting profile is particularlysuited to be used in a movable wall structure, where it can connecteither wall panels or window panels Furthermore, the manufacturing ofthe present connecting profile is carried out by a co-extrusion process,which is relatively simple and quick.

The first and second frame elements are essentially parallel to eachother. The elastic structure comprises two transverse webs, each of themjoining the rear side of the first frame element to the rear side of thesecond frame element. The connecting profile is thus particularlyadapted for connecting the peripheral edges of two aligned, successivepanels.

The transverse webs of the elastic structure are advantageouslysymmetrically arranged, so as to ensure a homogenous deformation of theelastic structure.

Each of the first and second frame elements are preferably provided witha pair of longitudinal profiled border elements, which each define aborder surface on the front sides of the frame elements, so that thefront sides are better adapted to engage the peripheral edges of thepanels. In case the peripheral edges of the first and second panelscomprise chamfered corners, the profiled border elements should eachdefine an oblique border surface, so that the front sides are betteradapted to engage the chamfered corners.

Each of the profiled border elements may further comprise a lipprotruding on the rear side of the first frame element, respectively thesecond frame element. For example, the lips of the profiled borderelements of the first frame element may be adapted to engage with thelips of the profiled border elements of the second frame element, whensaid sealing strip is compressed. Alternatively, the lips may beconfigured in such a way as to come into abutment against each other inthe maximal compressed state of the connecting profile.

As explained herein before, the frame elements are made of a more rigidmaterial than the elastic structure. A variety of materials, namelysynthetic materials, are suitable either for the frame elements or forthe elastic structure. However, the elastic structure is preferably madeof an olefin thermoplastic polymer. Regarding the frame elements,preferred materials are polymethyl methacrylate and polycarbonates.

According to a second aspect of the invention, an extruded connectingprofile for a multiple panel structure is proposed. It comprises a firstextruded connecting profile according to the first aspect of theinvention to be mounted between a first pair of adjacent panels. Itfurther comprises a second extruded connecting profile according to thefirst aspect of the invention to be mounted between a second pair ofadjacent panels, parallel to the first pair of panels and spacedtherefrom. A spacing structure connects the first extruded connectingprofile and the second extruded connecting profile in-between the firstand second pairs of panels. In a preferred embodiment, the spacingstructure is connected at one end to a first frame element of the firstconnecting profile and is connected at the other end to a first frameelement of the second connecting profile.

The spacing structure is preferably made of a rigid material, such asthat of the frame elements.

The connecting profile according to the second aspect of the inventionis particularly adapted for a movable wall structure with double walls.It allows for connection between adjacent panels, with a variable gapsize. Moreover, the rigidity of the spacing structure enables a properspacing of the panels rows, which ensures a flat surface of the movablewall structure.

According to a third aspect of the invention, an extruded corner profilefor two panels forming a corner is proposed. The extruded corner profilecomprises a first frame element having a front side and an opposite rearside, the front side being shaped for engaging an outer edge portion ofa peripheral edge of the first panel. It also comprises a second frameelement having a front side and an opposite rear side, the front sidebeing shaped for engaging an outer edge portion of a peripheral edge ofthe second panel, the peripheral edge of the second panel being adjacentto the peripheral edge of the first panel. The extruded corner profilefurther includes a central frame element in-between the first and secondframe elements. This central frame element has, about an inner endthereof, a longitudinal retaining border element for engaging inner edgeportions of the peripheral edges of the first and second panels.Furthermore, the first and second frame elements are each connected tothe central frame element by means of connecting webs co-extruded withthe first, second and central frame elements. Moreover, the connectingwebs are made of a material having a higher elasticity than that of thefirst, second and central frame elements.

The elasticity of the connecting webs allows compression of theconnecting profile between the inner edge portions of the panels, whilethe rigid frame elements remain in engagement with the outer edgeportions of the panels. It follows that the present connecting profilecan adapt to the size of the gap between the peripheral edges of the twopanels.

Generally, the peripheral edges of said first and second panels willcomprise chamfered corners. Hence, each of the first and second frameelements may comprise a longitudinal profiled border element adapted toengage a chamfered outer edge portion of the panels.

Besides, each of the longitudinal profiled border elements of the firstand second frame elements may comprise a lip protruding on the rear sideof the first frame element, respectively the second frame element. Thecentral frame element may thus comprise a longitudinal profiled borderelement opposite the inner end, having a first lip protruding towardsthe border element of the first frame element and a second lipprotruding towards the border element of the second frame element. Theselips shall be configured in such a way as to engage with each other whenthe corner profile is compressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 to 3: are sectional views of a first embodiment of an extrudedconnecting profile according to the invention;

FIG. 4: is a sectional view of a second embodiment of an extrudedconnecting profile according to the invention;

FIG. 5: is a sectional view of a third embodiment of an extrudedconnecting profile according to the invention;

FIG. 6: is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a connectingprofile for a double walled structure;

FIG. 7 to 9: are sectional views of a preferred embodiment of a cornerprofile.

In the Figures, same reference numbers indicate similar or identicalelements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1 to 3 show sectional views of a first embodiment of an extrudedconnecting profile 10 in accordance with the invention, the connectingprofile 10 being mounted in a gap between two panels 12 and 14 of amovable wall structure in FIGS. 2 and 3. These two panels may be made ofa translucent material (e.g. glass or Plexiglas®) or of an opaquematerial (e.g. wood or synthetic material). The connecting profile 10comprises a first frame element 16 having a front side 18 and anopposite rear side 20, the front side 18 being shaped for engaging aperipheral edge 22 of the first panel 12. Reference sign 24 indicates asecond frame element, essentially parallel to the first frame element16, which has a front side 26 and an opposite rear side 28. The frontside 26 of this second frame element 24 is shaped for engaging aperipheral edge 30 of the second panel 14, which is adjacent to theperipheral edge 22 of the first panel 16. The connecting profile 10further comprises an elastic structure extending between the first 16and second 24 frame elements. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3,the elastic structure comprises two transverse webs 32 and 32′, each ofthem joining the rear side 20 of the first frame element 16 to the rearside 28 of the second frame element 24. These transverse webs 32 and 32′are co-extruded with the first 16 and second 24 frame elements andconsist of a material having a higher elasticity than the material ofthe first 16 and second 24 frame elements. As can be seen, thetransverse webs 32 and 32′ are advantageously symmetrically arranged soas to ensure a homogeneous deformation of the connecting profile 10.

The elastic structure of the connecting profile 10 allows the latter toeasily adapt to gaps of various sizes. In FIG. 3, the connecting profile10 is shown in its minimal compression state, i.e. the elastic structureis almost not compressed. In FIG. 2, the connecting profile 10 is shownin its maximal compression state. Since the first frame element 16 andsecond frame element 24 are more rigid than the elastic structure, theyare essentially not deformed and remain in proper engagement with theperipheral edges 22 and 30 when the size of the gap is reduced, whereasthe elastic structure is compressed.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, each of the first 16 and second 24 frameelements has a pair of longitudinal profiled border elements indicated34 and 34′, respectively 36 and 36′. Each of these profiled borderelements 34, 34′, 36 and 36′ defines an oblique border surface 38, 38′,40 and 40′ on their respective front sides 18 and 26. The front sides 18and 26 are thus adapted to engage the chamfered corners of theperipheral edges 22 and 30 of the panels 12 and 14.

Furthermore, each of the profiled border elements 34, resp. 34′, of thefirst frame element 16 are provided with a short lip 42, resp. 42′,protruding on the rear side 20 thereof. The profiled border elements 36and 36′ of the second frame element 24 are each provided with anextended lip 44, resp. 44′, protruding on the rear side 28 thereof.These extended lips 44 and 44′ of the second frame element 24 areconfigured in such a way as to engage with the short lips 42 and 42′ onthe first frame element 16 when the connecting profile 10 is compressed,as shown in FIG. 2.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a sectional view of a second embodiment of anextruded connecting profile 110 is shown, which is similar to theconnecting profile 10 of FIG. 1. The connecting profile 110 comprises afirst frame element 116 having a front side 118 and an opposite rearside 120, the front side 118 being shaped for engaging a peripheral edgeof a first panel (not shown). Reference sign 124 indicates a secondframe element, essentially parallel to the first frame element 116,which has a front side 126 and an opposite rear side 128. The front side126 of this second frame element 124 is shaped for engaging an adjacentperipheral edge of a second panel (not shown). The connecting profile110 further comprises an elastic structure, preferably formed by a pairof transverse webs 132 and 132′ joining the rear side 120 of the firstframe element 116 to the rear side 128 of the second frame element 124.These transverse webs 132 and 132′ are co-extruded with the first frameelement 116 and the second frame element 124 and are made of a materialhaving a higher elasticity than the material of the first 116 and second124 frame elements.

As for the first embodiment of FIG. 1, the connecting profile 110 ofFIG. 4 is provided with a pair of profiled border elements 134 and 134′,resp. 136 and 136′, on each of the frame elements 116 and 124respectively. In contrast to FIG. 1, each of the frame elements 116,resp. 124, of the connecting profile 110 is provided with a short lip142, resp. 144′, and with an extended lip 142′, resp. 144, whichprotrude on the rear side 120, resp. 128, of their respective frameelement 116, 124. Here again, these lips 142, 142′, 144 and 144′ areconfigured in such a way that the extended lips 142′ and 144 engage withthe corresponding short lips 142 and 144′ when the connecting device 110is compressed.

In FIG. 5, is shown a sectional view of third embodiment of an extrudedconnecting profile 210. The connecting profile 210 comprises a firstframe element 216 having a front side 218 and an opposite rear side 220,the front side 218 being shaped for engaging a peripheral edge of afirst panel (not shown). Reference sign 224 indicates a second frameelement, essentially parallel to the first frame element 216, which hasa front side 226 and an opposite rear side 228. The front side 226 ofthis second frame element 224 is shaped for engaging an adjacentperipheral edge of a second panel (not shown). The connecting profile210 further comprises an elastic structure, preferably formed by a pairof transverse webs 232, 232′ joining the rear side 220 of the firstframe element 216 to the rear side 228 of the second frame element 224.These transverse webs 232 and 232′ are co-extruded with the first andsecond frame elements 216, 224 and are made of a material having ahigher elasticity than the material of the first 216 and second 224frame elements.

Furthermore, the connecting profile 210 of FIG. 5 is provided with apair of profiled border elements 234 and 234′, resp. 236 and 236′, oneach of the frame elements 216 and 224 respectively. Each of the borderelements 234, 234′, 236, 236′ is provided with a curved lip 142, 142′,144, 144′ protruding on the rear side of the respective frame elements.The curved lips 142, 142′ of the first frame element 116 come intoabutment with the curved lips 144, 144′ of the second frame element 224when the connecting profile 210 is approximately compressed to itsmaximal state.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a preferred embodiment of an extruded connectingprofile 310 for a double-walled movable wall structure is shown.Reference sign 312 and 314 indicate a first pair of aligned, successivepanels and reference signs 312′ and 314′ indicate a second pair ofaligned successive panels, parallel to the first pair 312, 314 andspaced therefrom.

The extruded connecting profile 310 comprises a first and a secondconnecting profile, indicated 316 and 316′, which are similar to theconnecting profile of FIG. 4. Accordingly, these connecting profiles 316and 316′ each comprise a first frame element 318, resp. 318′, and asecond frame element 320, resp. 320′, and an elastic structure,extending between the frame elements. The elastic structure of eachconnecting profile 316, resp. 316′, consists of a pair of transversewebs 322, resp. 322′.

Reference sign 324 indicates a spacing structure joining the first frameelement 318 of the first connecting profile 316 to the first frameelement 318′ of the second connecting profile 316′ in-between the twopairs of panels 312, 314 and 312′, 314′. This spacing structure 324 isadvantageously made of the same rigid material as the first frameelements 318 and 318′ and second frame elements 320 and 320′. In theshown embodiment, the spacing structure 324 is an essentiallyrectangular frame, with a central reinforcing web 326.

The connecting profiles shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 are particularly adaptedfor connecting two successive panels which are essentially aligned. Whentwo panels forming a corner are to be connected, the extruded cornerprofile 410 shown in FIG. 7 can be used. This corner profile 410 isparticularly adapted for two panels 412 and 414 disposed at right angle,see FIG. 8. These panels thus define an inner angle, indicated A1.Accordingly, the part of the peripheral edge of a panel on the side ofthis inner angle may be called inner edge portion, whereas the part ofthe peripheral edge opposed to the inner edge portion may be calledouter edge portion. The first and second panels 412, resp. 414, thuseach have an inner edge portion 412′, resp. 414′, and an outer edgeportion 412″, resp. 414″.

This extruded corner profile 410 comprises a first frame element 416having a front side 418 and an opposite rear side 420. The front side418 is shaped for engaging the outer edge portion 412″ of the peripheraledge of the first panel 412, see FIG. 8. Reference sign 422 indicates asecond frame element having a front side 424 and an opposite rear side426. The first frame element 416 and the second frame element 422 areperpendicularly arranged with respect to each other. The front side 424of the second frame element 422 is shaped for engaging the outer edgeportion 414″ of the peripheral edge of the second panel 414.

The corner profile 410 further comprises a central frame element 428lying in a bisecting plane of the angle A1 defined by the panels 412 and414. It includes, about its inner end, a longitudinal retaining borderelement 430 for engaging the inner edge portions 412′ and 414′ of theperipheral edges of the first and second panels 412 and 414.

Furthermore, the first and second frame elements 416, 422 are eachconnected to the central frame element 428 by means of a pair ofconnecting webs 432, 434. The pairs of connecting webs 432, 434 areco-extruded with the first 416, second 422 and central 428 frameelements and are made of a material having a higher elasticity than thatof the first 416, second 422 and central 428 frame elements.

Each of the two frame elements 416 and 422 has a longitudinal profiledborder 436, resp. 438, which defines an oblique border surface 440,resp. 442, so as to obtain a proper engagement with the chamfered shapeof the outer edge portions 412″, resp. 414″, of the peripheral edges ofthe panels 412 and 414. As can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the inner edgeportion 412′, 414′ of each panel is in abutment against the retainingborder element 430 of the central frame element 428, whereas the outeredge portion 412″, 414″ of each panel is in abutment against a frameelement 416, resp. 422.

Such a structure allows the corner profile 410 to adapt to the size ofthe gap between the two panels. In FIG. 9, the corner profile 410 isshown in its maximal compression state. The inner edge portions 412′ and414′ of the panels are completely applied onto the central frame element428. The corner profile is kept in place since the central frame element428 is pressed between the inner edge portions 412′, 414′. In FIG. 8,the gap between the peripheral edges of the panels 412 and 414 islarger. As can be seen, the inner edge portions 412′, 414′ are only incontact with the retaining border element 430, which is sufficient forensuring that the corner profile 410 is kept in place, and the frameelements 416 and 422 are properly engaged with the outer edge portions412″ and 414″.

Opposite the retaining border element 430, the central frame element 428has a longitudinal profiled border element 444 with two short lips 446and 446′, each protruding towards one of the first 416 and second 422frame elements. Each of the first 416 and second 422 frame elementscomprises an extended lip 448, resp. 448′, protruding on their rearside, adapted to engage with the corresponding short lip 446, resp.446′, of the profiled border element 444 when the corner profile 410 iscompressed.

Preferred materials for the rigid parts of the presented embodiments(FIGS. 1 to 9), i.e. first, second frame elements, as well as thecentral frame element and the spacing structure, are polymethylmethacrylate and polycarbonate. The elastic parts, i.e. the transverseand connecting webs interconnecting the frame elements, are preferablymade of an olefin thermoplastic polymer. It is to be noted that thepresented connecting profiles and corner profile can be manufactured byco-extrusion processes, which are relatively simple to implement andquick.

1. An extruded connecting profile for two panels having peripheraledges, said connecting profile comprising: a first frame element havinga front side and an opposite rear side, said front side being shaped forengaging a peripheral edge with chamfered edges of a first panel of saidtwo panels; a second frame element having a front side and an oppositerear side, said front side being shaped for engaging a peripheral edgewith chamfered edges of a second panel of said two panels, which isadjacent to said peripheral edge of said first panel; and an elasticstructure extending between said first and second frame elements, saidelastic structure being co-extruded with said first and second frameelements and consisting of a material having a higher elasticity thanthe material of said first and second frame elements, and said elasticstructure comprising two transverse webs, each of them joining said rearside of said first frame element to said rear side of said second frameelement; wherein said first and second frame elements are essentiallyparallel to each other; each of said first and second frame elements hasa pair of longitudinal profiled border elements, said profiled borderelements each defining an oblique border surface on said front sides, sothat said front sides are adapted to engage said chamfered corners; andeach of said profiled border elements comprises a lip protruding on therear side of said first frame element and said second frame elementrespectively.
 2. The extruded connecting profile according to claim 1,wherein said transverse webs are symmetrically arranged.
 3. The extrudedconnecting profile according to claim 1, wherein said lips of saidprofiled border elements of said first frame element are adapted toengage with said lips of said profiled border elements of said secondframe element, when said extruded connecting profile is compressed. 4.The extruded connecting profile according to claim 1, wherein said firstand second frame elements are made of polymethyl methacrylate orpolycarbonate and said elastic structure is made of an olefinthermoplastic polymer.
 5. An extruded connecting profile for a multiplepanel structure comprising: a first extruded connecting profile to bemounted between a first pair of adjacent panels, said first extrudedconnecting profile comprising: a first frame element having a front sideand an opposite rear side, said front side being shaped for engaging aperipheral edge with chamfered corners of a first panel of said firstpair of panels; a second frame element having a front side and anopposite rear side, said front side being shaped for engaging aperipheral edge with chamfered corners of a second panel of said firstpair, which is adjacent to said peripheral edge with chamfered cornersof said first panel; and an elastic structure extending between saidfirst and second frame elements, said elastic structure beingco-extruded with said first and second frame elements and consisting ofa material having a higher elasticity than the material of said firstand second frame elements, and said elastic structure comprising twotransverse webs, each of them joining said rear side of said first frameelement to said rear side of said second frame element; wherein saidfirst and second frame elements being essentially parallel to eachother; each of said first and second frame elements has a pair oflongitudinal profiled border elements, said profiled border elementseach defining an oblique border surface on said front sides, so thatsaid front sides are adapted to engage said chamfered corners; and eachof said profiled border elements comprises a lip protruding on the rearside of said first frame element and said second frame elementrespectively, a second extruded connecting profile to be mounted betweena second pair of adjacent panels, parallel to said first pair of panelsand spaced therefrom, said second extruded connecting profilecomprising: a first frame element having a front side and an oppositerear side, said front side being shaped for engaging a peripheral edgewith chamfered corners of a first panel of said second pair of panels; asecond frame element having a front side and an opposite rear side, saidfront side being shaped for engaging a peripheral edge with chamferedcorners of a second panel of said second pair of panels, which isadjacent to said peripheral edge with chamfered corners of said firstpanel; and an elastic structure extending between said first and secondframe elements, said elastic structure being co-extruded with said firstand second frame elements and consisting of a material having a higherelasticity than the material of said first and second frame elements,and said elastic structure comprising two transverse webs, each of themjoining said rear side of said first frame element to said rear side ofsaid second frame element; wherein said first and second frame elementsbeing essentially parallel to each other; each of said first and secondframe elements has a pair of longitudinal profiled border elements, saidprofiled border elements each defining an oblique border surface on saidfront sides, so that said front sides are adapted to engage saidchamfered corners; and each of said profiled border elements comprises alip protruding on the rear side of said first frame element and saidsecond frame element respectively; and a spacing structure connectingsaid first extruded connecting profile and said second extrudedconnecting profile in-between said first and second pairs of panels. 6.The extruded connecting profile according to claim 5, wherein saidspacing structure is connected at one end to a first frame element ofthe first connecting profile and is connected at the other end to afirst frame element of the second connecting profile.
 7. An extrudedcorner profile for two panels forming a corner, said extruded cornerprofile comprising: a first frame element having a front side and anopposite rear side, said front side being shaped for engaging an outeredge portion of a peripheral edge of a first panel of said two panels; asecond frame element having a front side and an opposite rear side, saidfront side being shaped for engaging an outer edge portion of aperipheral edge of a second panel of said two panels, said peripheraledge of said second panel being adjacent to said peripheral edge of saidfirst panel; a central frame element in-between said first and secondframe elements, said central frame element comprising about an inner enda longitudinal retaining border element for engaging inner edge portionsof said peripheral edges of said first and second panels, wherein saidfirst and second frame elements are each connected to said central frameelement by means of connecting webs, which are co-extruded with saidfirst, second and central frame elements and which are made of amaterial having a higher elasticity than that of said first, second andcentral frame elements; wherein said peripheral edges of said first andsecond panels comprise chamfered corners; each of said first and secondframe elements comprises a longitudinal profiled border element adaptedto engage a chamfered outer edge portion wherein each of saidlongitudinal profiled border elements of said first and second frameelements comprises a lip protruding on the rear side of said first frameelement, respectively said second frame element; and said central frameelement comprises a longitudinal profiled border element opposite saidinner end, having a first lip protruding towards said border element ofsaid first frame element and a second lip protruding towards said borderelement of said second frame element.
 8. The extruded corner profileaccording to claim 7, wherein said first, second, and central frameelements are made of polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate and saidelastic structure is made of an olefin thermoplastic polymer.